Applying Data Analytics in Accounting from Coursera

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Syllabus

MODULE 1: SURVEY OF ANALYTICS TOPICS IN ACCOUNTING

In this module, we provide a broad overview of the role of accounting as it interacts with data analytics and new technological advances. We begin by understanding what accounting is and the environment surrounding it. We then introduce you to the recent trends in the technology of accounting. We conclude the module with a discussion of three important topics in accounting: cybersecurity, process mining, and blockchain.

MODULE 2: CONTROLS AND AUDITING

This module introduces you to important concepts related to auditing. We begin by reviewing the different types of technology that can be used by the auditors to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of audits. We then examine how and why mistakes or fraud occur. We also discuss how internal controls can be placed to prevent misstatements. Finally, we demonstrate the control test workflow using a real-world dataset in both Alteryx Designer and RStudio.

MODULE 3: TEXT PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS IN ACCOUNTING

Numbers are everywhere in the financial statements. However, accounting is also about more than numbers. In this module, we discuss how text in accounting disclosure and other accounting information can contain useful information. We also demonstrate how to implement a basic natural language processing (NLP) pipeline using R.

MODULE 4: ROBOT PROCESS AUTOMATION IN ACCOUNTING

Accountants do many things that are standardized and mundane. This module introduces you to robotic process automation (RPA) that can be used to automate those routine tasks. We begin by looking at the definition of RPA and where it stands in the automation continuum. We then examine suitable tasks for RPA, steps in implementing RPA, and pros and cons associated with using RPA. We will also discuss the effect of RPA on accounting. We conclude the module with a demonstration of RPA using UiPath.

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Know what's good

, what to watch for

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Taught using a highly effective and trusted learning platform

Helps you master essential business analytic applications in accounting

Taught by top instructors from the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois

Covers a wide range of business analytic applications in accounting

Provides hands-on experience using R, Alteryx, and UiPath

Suitable for accounting professionals and students

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Applying Data Analytics in Accounting with these activities:

Network with professionals in the accounting field

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Build relationships with professionals in the field.

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Attend industry events
Join professional organizations
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn

Volunteer at a non-profit organization that provides accounting services

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Gain practical experience in accounting while giving back to the community.

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Find a non-profit organization that provides accounting services
Apply for a volunteer position
Complete the volunteer training
Provide accounting services to the organization

Attend a workshop on blockchain technology in accounting

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Develop a basic understanding of blockchain technology and its applications in accounting.

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Find a workshop on blockchain technology
Attend the workshop

Six other activities

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Participate in a study group for the course

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Reinforce learning and build relationships with classmates.

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Find a study group
Attend study group meetings
Participate in discussions

Practice data visualization using R

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Develop fluency in using R for data visualization.

Browse courses on R

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Load a dataset into R
Create a scatter plot
Create a bar chart
Create a line chart

Follow a guided tutorial on text analysis using NLP

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Develop a basic understanding of text analysis using NLP.

Browse courses on Natural Language Processing

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Find a tutorial on NLP
Follow the steps in the tutorial
Apply the techniques to a small dataset

Create a presentation on how RPA can be used in accounting

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Develop a deeper understanding of the applications of RPA in accounting.

Browse courses on RPA

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Research the topic
Gather examples of how RPA is used in accounting
Develop a presentation outline
Create the presentation slides
Practice the presentation

Participate in a hackathon on data analytics in accounting

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Develop practical skills in data analytics and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a hackathon on data analytics
Form a team
Develop a solution to the problem
Present the solution

Develop a data analytics project for a real-world accounting problem

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Develop practical skills in data analytics and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Identify a real-world accounting problem
Gather data
Analyze the data
Develop a solution
Present the solution

Career center

Learners who complete Applying Data Analytics in Accounting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their operations. This course explores business analytic applications in accounting, including process mining, blockchain, and applications in audit, tax, and assurance. This course may be useful for Management Consultants who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course explores the uses of text analysis in accounting and conducts text analysis using R and RStudio. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course explores the uses of text analysis in accounting and conducts text analysis using R and RStudio. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations. This course explores robot process automation in general using UiPath and its applications in accounting. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to businesses. This course explores visualization and basic analytics in audit and control testing using R and Alteryx. This course may be useful for Risk Analysts who want to learn more about data analytics in auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. This course explores visualization and basic analytics in audit and control testing using R and Alteryx. This course may be useful for Actuaries who want to learn more about data analytics in auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital. This course explores business analytic applications in accounting, including process mining, blockchain, and applications in audit, tax, and assurance. This course may be useful for Investment Bankers who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. This course explores robot process automation in general using UiPath and its applications in accounting. This course may be useful for Financial Planners who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course explores visualization and basic analytics in audit and control testing using R and Alteryx. This course may be useful for Auditors who want to learn more about data analytics in auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. This course explores the uses of text analysis in accounting and conducts text analysis using R and RStudio. This course may be useful for Tax Accountants who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies. This course explores the uses of text analysis in accounting and conducts text analysis using R and RStudio. This course may be useful for Venture Capitalists who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

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Accountant

Accountants can analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. This course explores business analytic applications in accounting, including process mining, blockchain, and applications in audit, tax, and assurance. This course may be useful for Accountants who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes. This course explores robot process automation in general using UiPath and its applications in accounting. This course may be useful for Forensic Accountants who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Internal Auditor

Internal Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of a company's internal controls. This course explores business analytic applications in accounting, including process mining, blockchain, and applications in audit, tax, and assurance. This course may be useful for Internal Auditors who want to learn more about data analytics in accounting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Internal Auditor

Private Equity Analyst

Private Equity Analysts evaluate and invest in private companies. This course explores visualization and basic analytics in audit and control testing using R and Alteryx. This course may be useful for Private Equity Analysts who want to learn more about data analytics in auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Analyst

Applying Data Analytics in Accounting

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